Step Up/ Step Back

You may be feeling confusion because of how we communicate at the New York City General Assembly and related movements. I am writing this because it is not the job of traditionally marginalized voices (i.e. female, queer, black, etc.) to educate dominant voices (i.e. white, male, heterosexual, etc.) about systems of oppression. It is the job of dominantly-voiced allies like me to do so. We call this “Step up/ step back.”

Nobody wants to stifle anyone else’s energy, but as dominant voices we often do so unintentionally. I was not raised in anything resembling a “PC” household, but I have been learning to step back and build healthy dialogue. Never let yourself be judged for circumstances of your birth, but if you feel someone is judging you consider that a perfect opportunity to step back and practice compassion. Many of our brothers and sisters are judged and marginalized on a daily basis.

The purpose of this list is to reveal the systems of power that give dominant voices like mine privilege in our traditional social discourse, and to help all allies understand when, why, and how to STEP BACK and empower traditionally marginalized voices to STEP UP.

-I expect some level of authority because of my education.

-I feel comfortable using academic terminology.

-I have always been told that my voice is important.

-As soon as I have something to say, I feel like I should say it.

-When I speak, I expect not to be interrupted.

-I was taught that aggressive speech is admirable.

-Every time I personally feel slighted, I am inclined to demand justice.

-I often feel that I represent “we” and I hear marginalized voices as “they.”

-My voice sounds like most voices in the media.

-Most leaders look like me and I feel comfortable leading and expect others to follow.